NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 8 recalls, 162 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Toyota 4runner.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2011 4Runner, the overwhelming majority of complaints center on airbags, but not airbag deployment failures in the traditional sense. Owners across many reports describe the passenger seat occupant classification sensor giving incorrect readings, most commonly showing the front passenger seat as unoccupied or occupied by a child when an adult is seated. This causes the passenger airbag to remain disabled, indicated by the airbag-off warning light staying illuminated. The problem appears repeatedly across different seating conditions and owners note it persists after repositioning the passenger. A smaller but recurring cluster of complaints involves Blizzard Pearl paint peeling in large patches from multiple body panels, roof, doors, and front panels are commonly mentioned, with some owners noting rust developing at the exposed areas.
162
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Toyota 4Runner has 8 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to occupants.
The airbag concern actually spans multiple filings tied to the same Takata inflator defect, with some campaigns limited to vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories including Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, where heat and moisture accelerate the problem. Regardless of which filing applies to a given vehicle, the physical risk is the same: a violent inflator rupture that can throw shrapnel toward anyone in the front seat. There is also a fire risk tied to aftermarket seat heaters on vehicles equipped with that accessory: a damaged copper heating element inside the seat can short circuit and ignite. This recall only affects vehicles distributed through Southeast Toyota Distributors and fitted with that particular accessory seat heater. On the exterior accessory side, also limited to Southeast Toyota Distributor vehicles, an adhesive-mounted hood scoop can loosen and separate from the hood at speed, becoming a road hazard for other drivers. Finally, accessory exhaust tips installed by the same distributor or its dealers can get hot enough to burn someone standing behind the vehicle, which is a lower-severity concern but still worth noting for households with children or anyone who regularly works near the rear of the truck.
At a glance
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
Driver or passenger front airbag inflators previously replaced under an earlier recall may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, high temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag assembly depending on your vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during deployment due to degradation from humidity and temperature exposure over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The adhesive bonding certain aftermarket hood scoops to the hood may weaken over time, causing the scoop to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will mechanically fasten the hood scoop to the hood using mechanical fasteners instead of adhesive.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Aftermarket exhaust tips installed by the distributor may extend too far and contact people standing behind the vehicle, potentially causing burns.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the exhaust tip with a redesigned smaller version that sits further back behind the bumper.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or entire air bag assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Accessory exhaust tips installed on certain 4Runner vehicles may protrude and contact people standing behind the vehicle, potentially causing burns.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the exhaust tip with a redesigned, smaller-diameter version that sits more recessed behind the bumper.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.